I just wanted to let you know that this list of Youtubers was greatly appreciated. Not all of it was good, but it did lead me to many channels I now love--before, I was subscribed to 4 channels on this list; now I am subbed to 23, and have come across many other small youtube channels I now love through the channels on your list
I feel ya, I've had my junk up for a while and ... no one's seen it yet really. at least that's what it seems like. and I've got links to free music! somethings broken here.......
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. I apologize for being away so long; school has made me neglect YouTube far more than I would like. But I'm back now, hopefully. I won't let you die. <3
Your saying Youtube is turning into Justin Bieber? Well, just shave off like the top 200 channels ...make search engine with the partners or the top 500 or whatever channels just scooped out and thrown at the wall of jealousy. Yeah. I like to comment.
Its true. you find one great video and you're like, this is AMAZING. You hit subscribe instead of Like or Favorite. and then you probably never even watch another video again. its true a persons taste will change, but it's sad when there are 200 more channels in your subscription box than in your favorites and you dont watch 95% of them
Sorry to publicise a channel I'm in but I hope a colab channel I'm in will become a community based channel 'youtube.com/user/The7AwesomeArmies' thanks if you take the time to have a look :D
when I make my videos, Im not worried about becoming a youtube partner (although that would be an honor) nor how much money I could make or how people will see me, I want people to look at my videos and have a laugh and relax after a long day of work and studying or even to learn something new and feel at home and part of a family. Thats been my goal since I got the internet and joined the internet community.
Wow, thank you so frikking much! You all have been so supportive and subby, I feel like I'm becoming an actual part of the community, I've even been inspired to start working on my own original ideas and content again!
Man, I missed this... I'm broke and my equipment sucks, but if you guys want to join me on the vlogging quest that is a prequel to my web series, please join me! :D *can't contain excitement*
<3 you all! Especially YOU Mike! Seriously! Oh my god... Seriously. Oh my god.
Actually good point. The only mild video success I've had was making a remix of a relatively popular song which 2/3 of the population appears to hate but all my original stuff gets fuck all views. Fucking A right.
Could also be the original content being put out there just isn't that good or what the audience is wants to see. It's great that many old youtubers can remember back to 2007 when things went well for them; however, as with all media, the content needs to change along with its audience's demand.
It also doesn't help when exclusivity comes into play as it did recently at vidcon. If people aren't in support of dividing a community, they should practise what they preach.
Auto subs from friend boxes probably add to the divide between sub number and view count. People have been successful writing thier own original content, its just harder that way then playing the yt game. Blaahhh just keep on doing what feels right, mike!
I totally agree with this video and loved it. I'm just going to say that I am now one of those people who subscribe to a bunch of people, but rarely watch videos anymore. It's just because I've gone to college; there aren't enough hours in the day anymore.
Hi, I'm Joseph. This video has finally pushed me to make videos again. I kinda got bullied a year or two ago for some old videos some people found, and it made me delete them and never want to make any ever again.
I agree with you that we definitely need to support original content creators. But for me, it's more about the quality if my subscribers and commenters than the quantity. I may not have that many subscribers on either my main channel or my collab, but the ones that we have are great, and that's what matters to me. Sure it would be great to have a ton of subscribers and make a lot of money but that's not why I make videos.
You're so right. Not only what you said, but it also creates an atmosphere where original creators create less because there's a shrinking incentive. If you had 5k subs and 4k would watch most videos you put out as an original content creator, you'd probably put more videos out that if you had 5k and 500 subs watched it. It's becoming another place where creative people will get easily discouraged in life.
Hey Mike, great video. I agree with majority of what you said, however to be honest, when you say the "big corporate companies" i don't think THEY are the problem. It's the Toby's, Phil's, and Shay's that OVER SATURATE YouTube that are taking advantage of being on top. They put out WAY too much content that IMO, is a perfect example of quantity over quality (which 9 times out of 10, wins on YouTube). I rarely speak out on this, but there ya go, I said it! BTW, keep up the good work my friend
A. It is such an honor to be in the description of such a video, especially because you've listed almost all of my favorites and my friends.
B. I disagree that anything inherently bad is happening on YouTube, unless the "reward" that you think original creators is a cut of the pie that didn't exist in the nostalgic past. I have been rewarded immensely for my thoughts by having engaging discussions, a thoughtful and respectful following, and amazing friends. I can't imagine asking for much more.
I'd like to point out that the reduction in views is probably proportionally related to the size of youtubes audience and the number of content uploaders... one person can only watch so many minutes of video a day... I'd say I watch a total of an hour of youtube a day at MOST... so the real issue here is that the pool is diluted, but the best are still going to float to the top, it just takes longer... the things I personally watch primarily ARE non-commercial creative works like Julia Nunes,
I just like to think (in the naive, little perfect world in my head), that original content creators still outweigh the golddiggers :) I also don't think that making your video look fancier with expensive equipment or insane post-production, makes it less original. In a lot of cases (like for example SneakyZebra) it just shows dedication and passion towards making the best video possible with whatever means you have. We don't have to go back to basics, we should just appreciate them as well.
Aside from original sketches, vlogs, music videos, I also make parodies of tv shows/movies sometimes. And I do wanna point out, that aside from those who jump on the bandwagon of parodying a viral video in order to just get views, most parodies do contain originality and hard work. Just because you're starting from an existing format, does not mean it is easy to make a funny or interesting video. But I do see your point, and I can tell some YouTubers just want to make money and get views.
My name is Josie, I've been making videos on YouTube since December 2008 and got partnership early on. While I agree that the subscriber base is not at all representative of the amount of views per video (I have the exact same problem), I disagree with the idea that for most YouTubers it has become all about the money and fame. For me, it has always been and always will be, my passion for making videos, sharing stories and reaching out to others that makes me create videos.
one problem with this is no body remembers to put info in their videos to share others of people their interested in who they think their viewers may be interested in weather that be tweeting or whatever and people only have so many irl friends to tell about this one amazing person
My name is Eric, I've been making videos on YouTube since. December 21 2009, and even though I started after the partner program began. I believe greatly in being creative, here on YouTube. not making videos for money, but fun! This place is my only outlet to be creative, talk with people, and express who I am with only fear of judgmental trolls (Joke) Its very hard for Original content creators to get any bit of attention these days, but I'll always stay true to myself no matter what.
I have absolutely noticed just that. It's part of the reason I started interviewing YouTubers over a year ago. I hope that by highlighting a mix of little people and big people I can bring to light people that truly represent what is at the heart of YouTube.
My name is Ben Hughes and I've been making videos on YouTube since March 11, 2006. I hear you on every single point within this video, and hope to echo these thoughts out to the rest of the community. Supporting your favorite YouTubers (and us asking for support to continue our work) is not selling out. It's support. It's making someone's rent. It's continuing to get amazing independent content (FOR FREE) on your screen. That's why we need support.
I think one of the reasons I don't watch all the vidoes I sub to is that I just sub to so many people.... there are only so many hours in the day. There are some people on your list there that I MUST watch every video, and some that I watch depending on time or what it's about.
I think my problem is I have so many people I want to watch making great content that I physically CAN'T watch them all.
don't hate me, but to all those blaming Youtube, I think we need to keep in mind that it is a business. Its unfair and unrealistic to ask them to promote people who aren't guranteed to earn a profit. BUT I think that original content was and should be what the YOUTUBE COMMUNITY is all about. I think that things like Nerd Factor, and the Liker Chain are now the ways to keep small audience original content creators going. But its on the Youtube Community to make that happen, not the YouTube corp.
this video has hit the nail on the head, and it is so accurate. No person should be required to struggle because of corporations having the easy means to support corporate content.
Yeah I get what you mean, a few years ago i put up a few videos on here and the related or recommend videos were somewhat similar to what I was doing and now I put a few vids up just for fun and the related or recommended or whatever its called videos are so unrelated. It's like RWJ and corporations and other weird shit with lots of views. It goes back a while though, back to when advertisers didn't want to put ads on here. Youtube was losing money and had to change. It's sad but unavoidable.
@MikeLombardoMusic These people don't happen to have names? Do these partners get paid by views or number of people clicking on ads? In how far is a third-party ad network involved with you knowing the money these people make?
@zurechtweiser Can't give names and specific earnings, it's a violation of the AdSense contract. If you are a partner, you can have a look at your AdSense dashboard and the info there gives a pretty in depth explanation of how both impressions and clicks contribute to earnings, etc. You also might want to check out the AdSense help and support forum for tons of info
@zurechtweiser The AdSense contract includes a standard NDA, which at least used to include a bar on disclosing earnings. WillofDC talked about it in a video a few years ago. It may have been altered since then, but we are bound by the contract we signed at the time. I can't explain any more because I leave on tour tomorrow and have a lot of stuff to get done, but look at Machinima. They were basically the first third party ad provider. There are several others.
But surely the amount of traffic your videos get is based on how many people actually want to see your content - rather than the "YouTube reward system" telling them not to watch you, (or urging the to watch something else). Terrestrial television, (in the UK at least), is dying because the system tells the audience what to watch and when. YouTube allows the users to watch what they want, whenever they want. You just need to make more engaging content dude.
hahah, the money is really not all that much....and you only get money if people actually click on the ads. Everything you say is true, youtube has changed a lot...but really, did anyone expect anything less? Sites like this are destined to rapidly change in a world like today. I love supporting the "little" youtubers. They are often much better than the big ones. It's the people and the community that make youtube great..and yes, we need to maintain that connection :)
@DirBlair False on both accounts. Several hundred partners make upwards of 6 figures a year, and last year, 7 partners made over a million dollars. Additionally, advertisers bid ads per impression, not per click.
@MikeLombardoMusic 7 out of how many 100's of millions of users? On average (excluding the few massive partners) most partners don't make more than a few hundred bucks a month. I wasn't disagreeing with you, just that the facts aren't exactly accurate. I have a channel that is partner, over 3000 subscribers (pretty average for most partners) it hasn't made nearly that much in the past 4 months. Enough for a fancy dinner. Google analytics only show income for clicks not impressions, so it seems
@MikeLombardoMusic This is an interesting article you might enjoy reading. Google search Exclusive: How Much Money YouTube Partners Make. It should be the first item there, from the site willvideoforfood
@MikeLombardoMusic it kind of sucks because no one can actually say what they make...due to the contract with youtube. LOL. But I know that the majority of partners aren't quitting their day jobs. LOL. I still agree with you though, the "smaller" youtubers can't die...they are often so much better than the big youtube stars, they seem more "real".
We do original content and we have lots of people watching our videos and new people coming and subscribing. We've been around for only 6 months and we already have over 12,400 subscribers. We don't parody anything.
But I do agree. No one seems to be doing there own thing any more, or they bring up other people, be that other YouTubers or movies characters to get bigger.
But look outside of YouTube. Even movies are remakes or sequels and people love that stuff. It's society as a whole.
Never a more true video from you Mike. I'm so glad I've gotten to be a part of the YouTube community in the last two years, and have been able to meet people in person at gatherings, because it's made it so much easier to find people I never would have before. Case in point - I met Andy Glover, my boyfriend, at a YouTube gathering. Keep the original content coming!
I'm not even a 'youtuber' but an avid supporter and viewer of those who post their lives online. I completely agree with you 100% and it's really sad to see the lack of attention paid to those who post original content. I've also heard about sub boxes on yt homepages and such not working and it's so unfortunate. Please keep doing what you're doing because I'll continue to support it.
I've only been using youtube for anything other than watching funny cat videos for about a year, but I can only say "word" to this video. Mike, you gave me most of my followers by putting me in a video a while back, and it's been one of a few tiny steps to getting my vids seen by a wider audience. It does sometimes feel like pissing in the wind though. It's probably wrong to lament the expansion of youtube, except in the instances where it means the dilution of the talent pool...
i really want to agree with you, and i do mostly. But it also seems like a lot of the "small" and home-grown youtubers have given up! maybe its out of frustration, boredom, i dont know. I have seen lots of tumblr posts about peoples frustration with the subs, its hard not to get the feeling that they arnt posting because they dont get the views they used to. clearly even the people i enjoy watching who make original content are worried about channel views instead of making things they love.
I mostly just feel like i cant support small and individual work if people keep leaving without a trace for months at a time, giving no content or anything. Then when they do come back and make a video after 3 months it feels like they expect to see the same kind of following or viewers they had before. I don't know, i only watch about 60 youtubers frequently, so maybe its just with the ones im subbed to.
This is great.Tyler prodded me in this direction but I completely agree with everything you're saying. I was most active on Youtube in '07 and it was a time when you could engage with the creators on a personal level. The major companies are dominating Youtube to the point that it's hard to find original content. Youtube seems to have forgotten its roots in favour of profit, which is understandable but pretty sad too.
this is so true. i joined youtube when i was in 7th grade (2008) and i have vague memories of the youtube you're talking about. new youtube is just a microcosm of how everything becomes monetized in a country that consumes so much.
As someone who joined in 2007, became partnered in 2008 with 400 subs and now still only have 4,5000 subs it has never been about being popular or getting my content "out there." I have done it for the sheer enjoyment of it and no matter what corp. makes a channel I will always watch the people I watched from the beginning and will always find new, fresh original content. Make YouTube what you want it to be and it will be just that.
God. I couldn't agree more. I have only been partnered since 09 but even since then it has changed. I used to get featured and now I haven't in over a year. It's impossible unless you have a video that goes viral or if you are Ray or Shane. So frustrating. And I too struggle to get 10% of my viewers to watch. 35k subs = 6k views.
On my communications midterm there was a question about YouTube, on whether the content is now driven by critical political economy or a cultural studies perspective. I argued in favor of cultural studies because I believe that there IS an abundance of original user generated content, but we're responsible for making it the priority on this site. It's YOUtube, not ADtube. Been watching original content since 2007, DFTBA.
I've been on Youtube since 2005 and I totally agree with you. They used to feature original, simple, home made content on the homepage (including a video I made!), and now it's just a bunch of ads and commercials. It's really sad that things have changed the way they have. I definitely miss it being a smaller community where you didn't need a bunch of effects/ pre-written script to be considered talented.
You have so many great points in this video and i really like te way its genuinely coming from you and your thoughts on the community..you have gained a subscriber here man :)
This video is awesome! A friend of mine posted it on twitter! Well done for saying in perfect words the truth of what is sadly going on here. I will now post it on my twitter to see if anyone gets the message. I don't want this to be ruined in the same way as dailybooth.
ha this totally reminded me of when i was like a little kid and youtube was like brand new it was like 2006 2005ish, maybe 2004 it was a loooong time ago, and i would come home and me and my bro would just watch these random videos, to us there wasnt like subscribers and youtubers, it was like no body cared, you just went on and watched good and hilarious home made vids, and to me for a long to thats what youtube was, but now it feels alot mooree...dressed up, i kinda miss the old youtube
I thought you couldn't monetize covers, but i'm new to this whole thing. I love just vlogging and uploading whatever I want but I feel the same way. Nobody wants to watch me because I'm not making huge productions nor do I have some crazy voice. I also hate that because I don't get half naked like some girls that are popular now, I'm not getting as much attention as they would. I'm so determined though, I won't give up. Some of us are still staying true and watching original content & vlogs! (:
Hi! I'm very new to the community and even though I try my hardest to watch all the people I subscribe to, I don't generally comment that much. I always thought that YouTube was simply too big to have a really good sense of community or at least that I was too late to join it. Your video has definitely inspired me to be more active in this awesome community. Thank you!
I just started making videos seriously and I agree that unless you're a partner or get really lucky, its hard to get anyone to watch your videos. But thats because there's so much to choose from. So yeah, the focus shouldn't just be on the currently most popular youtubers and partners, but everyone's own unique videos. Like... collab channels were a big trend for awhile but now starting one is rare to start and good ones are rare to find. I dunno.
If you were on in early 2006, you would see that even 2007 and 2008 was a huge change for YouTube. I think it was 2007 that Google bought YT and that's when some of the biggest changes happened.
Your reasoning is flawed in saying that a smaller percentage are watching your videos. There are now a LOT more people actually making original videos as well. Therefore if I have X number of hours that I can watch videos, sometimes certain ones will get ignored based on my mood or what I want to listen to.I bet if you looked at original content, there are exponentially more than there were in 2008. Things change just as they do in other artistic endeavors. Music, film and TV is not the same
YouTube is a pastime for most viewers-- you can't get upset with them if they don't actively support the different channels on this site. That's an unfair assumption to make.
I'm involved in the gaming community where, depending on rate of upload, you aren't expected to watch every single video. Where parodies are fine because the video playing during the song is bound to be a machinima of some sorts. You say how parodies aren't original. Have you seen "Revenge" by CaptainSpaklez? It should be physically impossible to not remark it's greatness! I really can't believe commentaries were in your list of unoriginal things.
@FlamingBlueCats I have a gaming channel as well. I think you misunderstand my point... Reading over my previous reponses and checking my own 2 follow videos will give you a better idea of what I mean.
@MikeLombardoMusic I saw the "Breaking a rule" one but what was the second? Also, my point was to simply state how your thing you got going on here cannot be applied to the gaming community in most situations.
@MikeLombardoMusic Yes, I know. Basically my comment was a, probably overlong, slight correction to what you were saying because you generalized it to the whole community. But, part of my argument was that gaming related parodies 9 times out of 10 are original and in some cases, visual masterpieces. I realize I kinda came off as starting an argument. Oops.
You definitely made me miss the "good old days" of youtube. Not that everything is awful now, like you said. But that simple, community feel is quickly disappearing.
I think I'm going to make a conscious effort to start doing more video responses and simple vlogs. It'd be nice.
I ALWAYS comment on EVERY video I watch, so I got that down at least. :P
Great video. I hope it gets spread around. (i'll do my share as well.)
This is amazing. Even though I haven't been uploading videos since 2006, I've been on the site since it was reasonably small. I remember before all the music videos hit the site, when there wasn't competition. When there were just a bunch of weirdos uploading videos with their webcam. Which was great! Quite original. I'm subbing :) <3
I feel honored to have been there. I remember those time, I remember watching Fan Videos in 2006 and I remember when Nalts first blogged about the partner program when it first became a thing. A big part of me still hopes I'll wake up to being featured on the homepage like in DaveDay's song of way back when.
Listening to you I have an idea that maybe could be a video or a pledge, but what if we all promise to comment and watch and support each other? Not like rules, but a pledge kinda thing...
My name is Tyler Oakley and I signed up for YouTube on September 30, 2007. I'm in the same boat as you. It's frustrating mainly because the reason content creators are going down the drain is because YouTube is enabling it. Every update to the website includes less subscription recognition and more "popular" video recognition. It's only going to get worse...
Great video Mike. Some tremendous advice and thoughts here, thanks for sharing.
As one of the "old schoolers" myself (Feb 2006), I can definitely echo the 10%-effect... I average maybe 50,000 views off my 570,000 subs... even worse on my 2nd channel... such a downturn has forced me to create *some* more commercial videos that "pander", so they can financially support the rest of my creative efforts I'm really passionate about.
Well said. I run all my subs through an RSS aggregator so that I don't miss any videos. I still technically sub through YT, but their system usually loses videos and drives me crazy. I'm not sure how/if that affects view counts, though. I'll certainly make more of an effort to comment now. I hadn't realized the participation rates were so low.
I have a weekly show that features five random things every week - I try and feature at least one original content creator each week. I've seen some amazing videos made by people with less than 100 subscribers. Feel free to forward anyone my way who might need some help!
Here's something to consider... Maybe people just put out too much content now? When some of the bigger Youtubers post multiple videos a week in an effort to keep growing and keep connecting, it might have an opposite effect... If the amount of content was reduced, it might actually mean something when a new video is made and the quality of videos may increase. It's a tough question though and one that probably doesn't have one single answer.
I think the important thing is to do promotion for each other - shoutouts that can be more than shoutouts - maybe including clips or collaborating. That way the people who like original content can get pointed in the direction of other original content. But how to get new people to see? I have no idea...
You could add the sarcaschicks to the list they're quite new, but like allunderonesun, they're bringing new things to the table through vlogging on collab channels. Most (if not all) my subscriptions are original content creators, but I don't have time to follow all the original content reators I like, because that would take at least 3 or 4 hours a day. There are just so many!
Good job Mike...I agree 100%...It takes about 1 or 2 percent of the work to make a cover video than write original music...And one of my favorite youtubers, Luke Conard, is kind of a sell out, I loved his original stuff, but it takes too long to make and he can whip out covers fast and make a buck. Thanks Mike
There's a different audience dynamic now, yes. But that doesn't mean that things are worse now, or were better before. It means we have go find a different way to work with it. You talk about how original content isn't promoted, but you're promoting it right now, as a part of the YouTube community. Does money and do ads control our opinions? We're still alive as an audience, but there's simply a new dynamic now. And it has to be (and should be) worked with.
Following your advise I would hereby like to say that: I really liked this video! :) You bring up some very very good points, I loved YouTube so much in 2008, but now it's just so BIG, it's almost impossible to really connect with people.
This is an excellent well-mae video, MIke. You have got a great point here. I don't even use the most viewed or most discussed videos page anymore because very rarely is there anything on there that's original content. I started watching in early 2007 and joined in August and it has changed a lot since then and I think you've nailed the problem.
There are still some of us out here who don't watch most or any of the corporate stuff and who watch the original content. But from what you said, there weren't masses of people watching back then and there aren't masses now. But yes, you're right, we don't want those channels to die, but viewers for original content are still here.
Can I just say YES. I know I haven't been here since the beginning and I haven't uploaded any absolutely incredible vidoes (yet!) but it just doesn't seem fair that all these copycats can just decide to cover a song or whatever and instantly get millions of views. There are hundereds of incredibly talented people out there that probably dont get the recognition they deserve because of this corporate element. It is awesome how much YouTube has grown but is it really for the better?
The whole corporate atmosphere that YouTube is currently fostering makes me wonder if YouTube will split into two halves: One half which is just like TV and the other half featuring community videos.
It basically became that way when YouTube partners realised that they could make another channel with any garbage on it and their subscribers would loyally watch it.
I didn't watch YouTube that much until one of my friends showed my VlogBrothers. After that I discovered FiveAwesomeGirls and all these other great vloggers. I sometimes see these segments on Ellen featuring these YouTube "sensations" and I think, their video will be forgotten in a matter of days. Why not feature someone who makes original videos and is trying to make a living off of it? Someone who puts time and effort into their videos should be rewarded. -Rachel
I think this is entirely true and very sad, but I also think that some of the fault rests with the original Youtubers. I'm subscribed to quite a few original Youtubers and most of them hardly post anything anymore.And if they do post something it's not particularly original or artistic or interesting, it's rushed or boring or pointless or the person just rambles about nothing or complains about how they haven't posted anything in ages. Those who 'made it' are people who have remained dedicated.
This is so true... Youtube used to be so original. It was so different then it is now. Alot of my favorite people are not even original anymore and there stuff is not as good. Like raywilliamjohnson used to be a comedian talking into a shitty camera with only like 2,000 followers. Now his show is completely different and is not as good. that is just an example. I miss the old youtube! You rock though! :)
Hey man, i feel ya. I've been thinking this so much. Every year it is tougher and tougher for people to get small channels off the ground without being plugged by someone who's already "made it". Good video. -julian
kaysyconundrum brought me here and i am so so glad she did this video was awesome and you make an amazing point! subscribe! (and i actually do watch that people i subscribe too) keep truckin sir!
You are absolutely right! I remember back in 2007 when I started watching and getting into YouTube and it was a big deal to get 1000 subscribers. I miss it when the community was like that and people actually participated and there was a back and forth between the person posting the video and the viewers.
I made a video response to this and i think i'm severely confused, (possibly because i wasn't part of the close youtube club back in the previous decade). lol oh well.
i agree with u i am subscribed to some of the ppl u listed and have bought some of there music on itunes one of them i've gone to his concert he was great.i've come accross many other very talented ppl and i'm constantly commenting and trying to share thier music with others .
Thank you for linking to my channel again, Mike. To all of the people leaving negative comments on this video, know that Mike Lombardo helped to double my subscriber count just because he felt like helping some smaller creators. This video echoes some of Andrew Bravener's points, sure, but Mike is pleading more with US than he is complaining about YouTube the Corporation.
He wants us to realize how important we are to the original content creators.
i'm convinced that the people saying this video is like andrew bravener's video didn't watch the video. mike suggested practical solutions to the problem, and more importantly, things we can do to prevent the original content creator community from falling into obscurity.
I think it's a stretch to assume that corporations and partnerships are to blame for decreasing interest of subscribers. Maybe it's just human nature. Of some youtubers I got so bored that now I only watch one video out of every 50 they make. But I'm not sorry. Time I put in watching channels I don't like anymore is time I can't put in discovering new promising channels. I think it's inherent to vlogs maybe. You have to be really really good to be able to keep up quality high enough to not lose
@kennyvandossche the interest of your audience. These are short (mostly) amateuristic video's with someone 'normal' talk about their life and random stuff. After a while I can just predict what some vloggers are going to talk about and how they are going to bring it. Not your fault. But not the corporations either.
Mike, you said this better than I ever could. YouTube used to be the alternative to TV and now instead of promoting creative YouTubers on it's front page, it promote TV cahnnels and corporations. It is so hard to get your videos seen these days and it is hugely depressing. It wouldn't be hard for YouTube to put right, there has to be room for proper YouTubers and the global fat cats on this platform. I miss the good old days massively!
I agree with everything you said in this video 100%. We, the original content creators, are so important to YouTube and I hope this community never dies.
Hey Mike, I just want to let you know that I support and respect you about 300 times more than about three weeks ago. I posted a "question" in Hayley's tumblr ask box "I unfollowed when I found out you were still talking to Mike." After watching this video, my opinions have changed and I have subscribed and WILL be checking out the youtubers you put in the description box. Thanks !
i remember that, it sucks how it is now... :(
42monstermunch 3 weeks ago
I like the symbolic "I regret nothing"
hajlender12 1 month ago
fyi, everyone on youtube starts small.
goingforthegold 1 month ago
I just wanted to let you know that this list of Youtubers was greatly appreciated. Not all of it was good, but it did lead me to many channels I now love--before, I was subscribed to 4 channels on this list; now I am subbed to 23, and have come across many other small youtube channels I now love through the channels on your list
enamabam7 1 month ago
I have eight subscribers. Four of whom I know in real life. I'm commenting here so I remember, since it's almost 2AM and I need sleep.
TheRedWriting 1 month ago
we need a new video sharing website lets craeate a new 1
joedawg112 2 months ago
its because Google bought youtube and it became a corporate hub not a original hub
joedawg112 2 months ago
Fantastic :)
AchemeDee 2 months ago
GREAT VIDEO
raphire14 2 months ago
I feel ya, I've had my junk up for a while and ... no one's seen it yet really. at least that's what it seems like. and I've got links to free music! somethings broken here.......
Eli0mega 2 months ago 6
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. I apologize for being away so long; school has made me neglect YouTube far more than I would like. But I'm back now, hopefully. I won't let you die. <3
noorgansjustawesome 3 months ago
Your saying Youtube is turning into Justin Bieber? Well, just shave off like the top 200 channels ...make search engine with the partners or the top 500 or whatever channels just scooped out and thrown at the wall of jealousy. Yeah. I like to comment.
uilium 3 months ago
that was very thoughtful and enlightening. first video of yours I've seen and I really enjoyed your perspective. :)
yamileth650 3 months ago
Its true. you find one great video and you're like, this is AMAZING. You hit subscribe instead of Like or Favorite. and then you probably never even watch another video again. its true a persons taste will change, but it's sad when there are 200 more channels in your subscription box than in your favorites and you dont watch 95% of them
ThatOneAmericanGirl 3 months ago
yeah, this is cool.
dafatunicorn 3 months ago
Sorry to publicise a channel I'm in but I hope a colab channel I'm in will become a community based channel 'youtube.com/user/The7AwesomeArmies' thanks if you take the time to have a look :D
jamcop108 3 months ago
YAY! You mention us! aka LookingForAwesome! =D
goldentapshoes33 4 months ago
when I make my videos, Im not worried about becoming a youtube partner (although that would be an honor) nor how much money I could make or how people will see me, I want people to look at my videos and have a laugh and relax after a long day of work and studying or even to learn something new and feel at home and part of a family. Thats been my goal since I got the internet and joined the internet community.
Savalisk 4 months ago
Holla!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KorAgeUs 4 months ago
Very interesting! I'm glad LeakyNews featured this, and I hope that a lot of people hear what you are saying.
lilypad145 4 months ago
Dude, you should be king of YouTube or something. :)
lucyaliceee 4 months ago
Wow, thank you so frikking much! You all have been so supportive and subby, I feel like I'm becoming an actual part of the community, I've even been inspired to start working on my own original ideas and content again!
Man, I missed this... I'm broke and my equipment sucks, but if you guys want to join me on the vlogging quest that is a prequel to my web series, please join me! :D *can't contain excitement*
<3 you all! Especially YOU Mike! Seriously! Oh my god... Seriously. Oh my god.
Nathanseals 4 months ago
Actually good point. The only mild video success I've had was making a remix of a relatively popular song which 2/3 of the population appears to hate but all my original stuff gets fuck all views. Fucking A right.
Adroitism 4 months ago
Could also be the original content being put out there just isn't that good or what the audience is wants to see. It's great that many old youtubers can remember back to 2007 when things went well for them; however, as with all media, the content needs to change along with its audience's demand.
It also doesn't help when exclusivity comes into play as it did recently at vidcon. If people aren't in support of dividing a community, they should practise what they preach.
Awesome video though.
Lola6041 4 months ago
Auto subs from friend boxes probably add to the divide between sub number and view count. People have been successful writing thier own original content, its just harder that way then playing the yt game. Blaahhh just keep on doing what feels right, mike!
davidleduc85 4 months ago
great video man!
UruguayoIncoherente 4 months ago
I totally agree with this video and loved it. I'm just going to say that I am now one of those people who subscribe to a bunch of people, but rarely watch videos anymore. It's just because I've gone to college; there aren't enough hours in the day anymore.
doglover32993 4 months ago
I wait five star back D:<
and the old lay out
GreenSight201 4 months ago
Brillian. Absolutely Brilliant.
hippiehaleylovesyou 4 months ago
Hi, I'm Joseph. This video has finally pushed me to make videos again. I kinda got bullied a year or two ago for some old videos some people found, and it made me delete them and never want to make any ever again.
I don't want us to die.
TheDukeofLions 4 months ago
my first youtube account was in late 2005. i was still in college and in my imovie/final cut production. oh the good old days
vichkovski 4 months ago
I agree with you that we definitely need to support original content creators. But for me, it's more about the quality if my subscribers and commenters than the quantity. I may not have that many subscribers on either my main channel or my collab, but the ones that we have are great, and that's what matters to me. Sure it would be great to have a ton of subscribers and make a lot of money but that's not why I make videos.
KatherineHSchneider 4 months ago
This was awesome, you are so well spoken
Comocks 4 months ago
You're so right. Not only what you said, but it also creates an atmosphere where original creators create less because there's a shrinking incentive. If you had 5k subs and 4k would watch most videos you put out as an original content creator, you'd probably put more videos out that if you had 5k and 500 subs watched it. It's becoming another place where creative people will get easily discouraged in life.
lvivful 4 months ago
Bah. Most of the original content I've subscribed to hardly ever put any videos out :/
xaicho 4 months ago
Hey Mike, great video. I agree with majority of what you said, however to be honest, when you say the "big corporate companies" i don't think THEY are the problem. It's the Toby's, Phil's, and Shay's that OVER SATURATE YouTube that are taking advantage of being on top. They put out WAY too much content that IMO, is a perfect example of quantity over quality (which 9 times out of 10, wins on YouTube). I rarely speak out on this, but there ya go, I said it! BTW, keep up the good work my friend
dandobi 4 months ago
i think you're really good at thinking, if that makes any sense. you've got a big thinking brain and big thoughts. i like that.
lolmymag 4 months ago
Thanks for sharing all these channels
iliv3b3yondth3arc 4 months ago
Sorry but you have to move with the times or move out.
Joooliuss 4 months ago
A. It is such an honor to be in the description of such a video, especially because you've listed almost all of my favorites and my friends.
B. I disagree that anything inherently bad is happening on YouTube, unless the "reward" that you think original creators is a cut of the pie that didn't exist in the nostalgic past. I have been rewarded immensely for my thoughts by having engaging discussions, a thoughtful and respectful following, and amazing friends. I can't imagine asking for much more.
fizzylimon 4 months ago
I'd like to point out that the reduction in views is probably proportionally related to the size of youtubes audience and the number of content uploaders... one person can only watch so many minutes of video a day... I'd say I watch a total of an hour of youtube a day at MOST... so the real issue here is that the pool is diluted, but the best are still going to float to the top, it just takes longer... the things I personally watch primarily ARE non-commercial creative works like Julia Nunes,
WalksIn2Trees 4 months ago
I just like to think (in the naive, little perfect world in my head), that original content creators still outweigh the golddiggers :) I also don't think that making your video look fancier with expensive equipment or insane post-production, makes it less original. In a lot of cases (like for example SneakyZebra) it just shows dedication and passion towards making the best video possible with whatever means you have. We don't have to go back to basics, we should just appreciate them as well.
twinklybird 4 months ago
Aside from original sketches, vlogs, music videos, I also make parodies of tv shows/movies sometimes. And I do wanna point out, that aside from those who jump on the bandwagon of parodying a viral video in order to just get views, most parodies do contain originality and hard work. Just because you're starting from an existing format, does not mean it is easy to make a funny or interesting video. But I do see your point, and I can tell some YouTubers just want to make money and get views.
twinklybird 4 months ago
My name is Josie, I've been making videos on YouTube since December 2008 and got partnership early on. While I agree that the subscriber base is not at all representative of the amount of views per video (I have the exact same problem), I disagree with the idea that for most YouTubers it has become all about the money and fame. For me, it has always been and always will be, my passion for making videos, sharing stories and reaching out to others that makes me create videos.
twinklybird 4 months ago
one problem with this is no body remembers to put info in their videos to share others of people their interested in who they think their viewers may be interested in weather that be tweeting or whatever and people only have so many irl friends to tell about this one amazing person
marilyndarlingshow 4 months ago
Thank you for saying this! you are wonderful :)
hdonkers 4 months ago
My name is Eric, I've been making videos on YouTube since. December 21 2009, and even though I started after the partner program began. I believe greatly in being creative, here on YouTube. not making videos for money, but fun! This place is my only outlet to be creative, talk with people, and express who I am with only fear of judgmental trolls (Joke) Its very hard for Original content creators to get any bit of attention these days, but I'll always stay true to myself no matter what.
EricPreslik 4 months ago
DTUD and TTTT we all need to help each other out!
BusterSenshi 4 months ago
I have absolutely noticed just that. It's part of the reason I started interviewing YouTubers over a year ago. I hope that by highlighting a mix of little people and big people I can bring to light people that truly represent what is at the heart of YouTube.
TheLionsDenNews 4 months ago
My name is Ben Hughes and I've been making videos on YouTube since March 11, 2006. I hear you on every single point within this video, and hope to echo these thoughts out to the rest of the community. Supporting your favorite YouTubers (and us asking for support to continue our work) is not selling out. It's support. It's making someone's rent. It's continuing to get amazing independent content (FOR FREE) on your screen. That's why we need support.
Thank you Mike for including me in the links!<3
ObviouslyBenHughes 4 months ago
I think one of the reasons I don't watch all the vidoes I sub to is that I just sub to so many people.... there are only so many hours in the day. There are some people on your list there that I MUST watch every video, and some that I watch depending on time or what it's about.
I think my problem is I have so many people I want to watch making great content that I physically CAN'T watch them all.
Duessa2000 4 months ago
don't hate me, but to all those blaming Youtube, I think we need to keep in mind that it is a business. Its unfair and unrealistic to ask them to promote people who aren't guranteed to earn a profit. BUT I think that original content was and should be what the YOUTUBE COMMUNITY is all about. I think that things like Nerd Factor, and the Liker Chain are now the ways to keep small audience original content creators going. But its on the Youtube Community to make that happen, not the YouTube corp.
ElleAri94 4 months ago
this video has hit the nail on the head, and it is so accurate. No person should be required to struggle because of corporations having the easy means to support corporate content.
CrunchyLikeness 4 months ago
You made me turn on my camera and realise what potential youtube really has.
Thanks Mike.
queenofthesuperficia 4 months ago
Im not a youtuber but i agree 100% its all a business now.
vizcarragaby 4 months ago
I love u for this.
vizcarragaby 4 months ago
i had no idea. thank you so much!
Shmiah 4 months ago
Yeah I get what you mean, a few years ago i put up a few videos on here and the related or recommend videos were somewhat similar to what I was doing and now I put a few vids up just for fun and the related or recommended or whatever its called videos are so unrelated. It's like RWJ and corporations and other weird shit with lots of views. It goes back a while though, back to when advertisers didn't want to put ads on here. Youtube was losing money and had to change. It's sad but unavoidable.
Enemynarwhal 4 months ago
I love Julia Nunes!
amjchahn91 4 months ago 5
@amjchahn91 Me too!
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago 2
@MikeLombardoMusic These people don't happen to have names? Do these partners get paid by views or number of people clicking on ads? In how far is a third-party ad network involved with you knowing the money these people make?
zurechtweiser 4 months ago
@zurechtweiser Can't give names and specific earnings, it's a violation of the AdSense contract. If you are a partner, you can have a look at your AdSense dashboard and the info there gives a pretty in depth explanation of how both impressions and clicks contribute to earnings, etc. You also might want to check out the AdSense help and support forum for tons of info
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic I searched the adsense contract, there is no such paragraph that would forbid you telling us names.
zurechtweiser 4 months ago
@zurechtweiser The AdSense contract includes a standard NDA, which at least used to include a bar on disclosing earnings. WillofDC talked about it in a video a few years ago. It may have been altered since then, but we are bound by the contract we signed at the time. I can't explain any more because I leave on tour tomorrow and have a lot of stuff to get done, but look at Machinima. They were basically the first third party ad provider. There are several others.
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic When did you sign the adsense contract? I only see ads by google on youtube...
zurechtweiser 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic And in how far is a third-party ad network involved with youtube?
zurechtweiser 4 months ago
But surely the amount of traffic your videos get is based on how many people actually want to see your content - rather than the "YouTube reward system" telling them not to watch you, (or urging the to watch something else). Terrestrial television, (in the UK at least), is dying because the system tells the audience what to watch and when. YouTube allows the users to watch what they want, whenever they want. You just need to make more engaging content dude.
adamjenningsiam 4 months ago
hahah, the money is really not all that much....and you only get money if people actually click on the ads. Everything you say is true, youtube has changed a lot...but really, did anyone expect anything less? Sites like this are destined to rapidly change in a world like today. I love supporting the "little" youtubers. They are often much better than the big ones. It's the people and the community that make youtube great..and yes, we need to maintain that connection :)
DirBlair 4 months ago
@DirBlair False on both accounts. Several hundred partners make upwards of 6 figures a year, and last year, 7 partners made over a million dollars. Additionally, advertisers bid ads per impression, not per click.
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic From which trustworthy person did you get that information?
zurechtweiser 4 months ago
Comment removed
DirBlair 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic 7 out of how many 100's of millions of users? On average (excluding the few massive partners) most partners don't make more than a few hundred bucks a month. I wasn't disagreeing with you, just that the facts aren't exactly accurate. I have a channel that is partner, over 3000 subscribers (pretty average for most partners) it hasn't made nearly that much in the past 4 months. Enough for a fancy dinner. Google analytics only show income for clicks not impressions, so it seems
DirBlair 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic This is an interesting article you might enjoy reading. Google search Exclusive: How Much Money YouTube Partners Make. It should be the first item there, from the site willvideoforfood
DirBlair 4 months ago
@DirBlair several of the people in that article have stated that it is not accurate
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic it kind of sucks because no one can actually say what they make...due to the contract with youtube. LOL. But I know that the majority of partners aren't quitting their day jobs. LOL. I still agree with you though, the "smaller" youtubers can't die...they are often so much better than the big youtube stars, they seem more "real".
DirBlair 4 months ago
We do original content and we have lots of people watching our videos and new people coming and subscribing. We've been around for only 6 months and we already have over 12,400 subscribers. We don't parody anything.
But I do agree. No one seems to be doing there own thing any more, or they bring up other people, be that other YouTubers or movies characters to get bigger.
But look outside of YouTube. Even movies are remakes or sequels and people love that stuff. It's society as a whole.
DytonBrothers 4 months ago 19
Excellent video. Always a supporter. Radiofreeks com
CalebICT 4 months ago
You have my support. This is an honest video and I agree on every account.
laurenlingard 4 months ago
I like him, he's smart and he can think.
Freakle22 4 months ago
Never a more true video from you Mike. I'm so glad I've gotten to be a part of the YouTube community in the last two years, and have been able to meet people in person at gatherings, because it's made it so much easier to find people I never would have before. Case in point - I met Andy Glover, my boyfriend, at a YouTube gathering. Keep the original content coming!
abberz07 4 months ago
I'm not even a 'youtuber' but an avid supporter and viewer of those who post their lives online. I completely agree with you 100% and it's really sad to see the lack of attention paid to those who post original content. I've also heard about sub boxes on yt homepages and such not working and it's so unfortunate. Please keep doing what you're doing because I'll continue to support it.
makingmusic18 4 months ago
woops... thanks mike... my subs just when from 450 to 485.. so many I was not subscribed to!
STHayden 4 months ago
I've only been using youtube for anything other than watching funny cat videos for about a year, but I can only say "word" to this video. Mike, you gave me most of my followers by putting me in a video a while back, and it's been one of a few tiny steps to getting my vids seen by a wider audience. It does sometimes feel like pissing in the wind though. It's probably wrong to lament the expansion of youtube, except in the instances where it means the dilution of the talent pool...
neafcy 4 months ago
i really want to agree with you, and i do mostly. But it also seems like a lot of the "small" and home-grown youtubers have given up! maybe its out of frustration, boredom, i dont know. I have seen lots of tumblr posts about peoples frustration with the subs, its hard not to get the feeling that they arnt posting because they dont get the views they used to. clearly even the people i enjoy watching who make original content are worried about channel views instead of making things they love.
Callanishername 4 months ago
I mostly just feel like i cant support small and individual work if people keep leaving without a trace for months at a time, giving no content or anything. Then when they do come back and make a video after 3 months it feels like they expect to see the same kind of following or viewers they had before. I don't know, i only watch about 60 youtubers frequently, so maybe its just with the ones im subbed to.
Callanishername 4 months ago
This is great.Tyler prodded me in this direction but I completely agree with everything you're saying. I was most active on Youtube in '07 and it was a time when you could engage with the creators on a personal level. The major companies are dominating Youtube to the point that it's hard to find original content. Youtube seems to have forgotten its roots in favour of profit, which is understandable but pretty sad too.
WannabeBallerina 4 months ago
lies, i joined in 2006.
lilbluehersheykiss 4 months ago
this is so true. i joined youtube when i was in 7th grade (2008) and i have vague memories of the youtube you're talking about. new youtube is just a microcosm of how everything becomes monetized in a country that consumes so much.
lilbluehersheykiss 4 months ago
MIKE YOU ARE SO AWESOME FOR INTRODUSING ME TO SO MANY AWESOME YOUTUBERS!! THANK YOU SO MUCH MAN!!!!
TheElhunterx50 4 months ago
As someone who joined in 2007, became partnered in 2008 with 400 subs and now still only have 4,5000 subs it has never been about being popular or getting my content "out there." I have done it for the sheer enjoyment of it and no matter what corp. makes a channel I will always watch the people I watched from the beginning and will always find new, fresh original content. Make YouTube what you want it to be and it will be just that.
ReallyRick 4 months ago
God. I couldn't agree more. I have only been partnered since 09 but even since then it has changed. I used to get featured and now I haven't in over a year. It's impossible unless you have a video that goes viral or if you are Ray or Shane. So frustrating. And I too struggle to get 10% of my viewers to watch. 35k subs = 6k views.
ArielleIsHamming 4 months ago
On my communications midterm there was a question about YouTube, on whether the content is now driven by critical political economy or a cultural studies perspective. I argued in favor of cultural studies because I believe that there IS an abundance of original user generated content, but we're responsible for making it the priority on this site. It's YOUtube, not ADtube. Been watching original content since 2007, DFTBA.
beingbobina 4 months ago
*headnod*
naveregnide 4 months ago
This video alone made me sub, #TeamStreetLight brought me here
xQuinones716x 4 months ago
I've been on Youtube since 2005 and I totally agree with you. They used to feature original, simple, home made content on the homepage (including a video I made!), and now it's just a bunch of ads and commercials. It's really sad that things have changed the way they have. I definitely miss it being a smaller community where you didn't need a bunch of effects/ pre-written script to be considered talented.
StopThatSquirrel 4 months ago
This is so awesome. You have gained a friend, friend.
TheRealStreetLight 4 months ago
Very well said, sir.
TheBrettBall 4 months ago
You have so many great points in this video and i really like te way its genuinely coming from you and your thoughts on the community..you have gained a subscriber here man :)
Kizpossible 4 months ago
this was a great video to watch and i'm glad i tuned in. i'm gonna share this everywhere i can right now!
iheartmovees 4 months ago
This video is awesome! A friend of mine posted it on twitter! Well done for saying in perfect words the truth of what is sadly going on here. I will now post it on my twitter to see if anyone gets the message. I don't want this to be ruined in the same way as dailybooth.
zoomswhizzkid 4 months ago
ha this totally reminded me of when i was like a little kid and youtube was like brand new it was like 2006 2005ish, maybe 2004 it was a loooong time ago, and i would come home and me and my bro would just watch these random videos, to us there wasnt like subscribers and youtubers, it was like no body cared, you just went on and watched good and hilarious home made vids, and to me for a long to thats what youtube was, but now it feels alot mooree...dressed up, i kinda miss the old youtube
miyaismykitty2 4 months ago
Thank you.
lykomfgitsliz 4 months ago
I thought you couldn't monetize covers, but i'm new to this whole thing. I love just vlogging and uploading whatever I want but I feel the same way. Nobody wants to watch me because I'm not making huge productions nor do I have some crazy voice. I also hate that because I don't get half naked like some girls that are popular now, I'm not getting as much attention as they would. I'm so determined though, I won't give up. Some of us are still staying true and watching original content & vlogs! (:
ALWisser 4 months ago
Hi! I'm very new to the community and even though I try my hardest to watch all the people I subscribe to, I don't generally comment that much. I always thought that YouTube was simply too big to have a really good sense of community or at least that I was too late to join it. Your video has definitely inspired me to be more active in this awesome community. Thank you!
sreside94 4 months ago
I just started making videos seriously and I agree that unless you're a partner or get really lucky, its hard to get anyone to watch your videos. But thats because there's so much to choose from. So yeah, the focus shouldn't just be on the currently most popular youtubers and partners, but everyone's own unique videos. Like... collab channels were a big trend for awhile but now starting one is rare to start and good ones are rare to find. I dunno.
kevvieful 4 months ago
If you were on in early 2006, you would see that even 2007 and 2008 was a huge change for YouTube. I think it was 2007 that Google bought YT and that's when some of the biggest changes happened.
bowiechick 4 months ago
Your reasoning is flawed in saying that a smaller percentage are watching your videos. There are now a LOT more people actually making original videos as well. Therefore if I have X number of hours that I can watch videos, sometimes certain ones will get ignored based on my mood or what I want to listen to.I bet if you looked at original content, there are exponentially more than there were in 2008. Things change just as they do in other artistic endeavors. Music, film and TV is not the same
johnnya2 4 months ago
YouTube is a pastime for most viewers-- you can't get upset with them if they don't actively support the different channels on this site. That's an unfair assumption to make.
Aaolvn 4 months ago
I'm involved in the gaming community where, depending on rate of upload, you aren't expected to watch every single video. Where parodies are fine because the video playing during the song is bound to be a machinima of some sorts. You say how parodies aren't original. Have you seen "Revenge" by CaptainSpaklez? It should be physically impossible to not remark it's greatness! I really can't believe commentaries were in your list of unoriginal things.
FlamingBlueCats 4 months ago
@FlamingBlueCats I have a gaming channel as well. I think you misunderstand my point... Reading over my previous reponses and checking my own 2 follow videos will give you a better idea of what I mean.
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic I saw the "Breaking a rule" one but what was the second? Also, my point was to simply state how your thing you got going on here cannot be applied to the gaming community in most situations.
FlamingBlueCats 4 months ago in playlist More videos from MikeLombardoMusic
@FlamingBlueCats I'm mainly talking about the original music community because that's what I have most experience with.
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic Yes, I know. Basically my comment was a, probably overlong, slight correction to what you were saying because you generalized it to the whole community. But, part of my argument was that gaming related parodies 9 times out of 10 are original and in some cases, visual masterpieces. I realize I kinda came off as starting an argument. Oops.
FlamingBlueCats 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic Also, on an unrelated note, I am very surprised that "overlong" is a word. Or at least, according to YouTube.
FlamingBlueCats 4 months ago
I tried a hat like yours on today. I looked funny. I just thought that was totally and completely necessary. XD jk.
96theweirdone 4 months ago
*slow clap* :')
You definitely made me miss the "good old days" of youtube. Not that everything is awful now, like you said. But that simple, community feel is quickly disappearing.
I think I'm going to make a conscious effort to start doing more video responses and simple vlogs. It'd be nice.
I ALWAYS comment on EVERY video I watch, so I got that down at least. :P
Great video. I hope it gets spread around. (i'll do my share as well.)
kira902k 4 months ago
This is amazing. Even though I haven't been uploading videos since 2006, I've been on the site since it was reasonably small. I remember before all the music videos hit the site, when there wasn't competition. When there were just a bunch of weirdos uploading videos with their webcam. Which was great! Quite original. I'm subbing :) <3
LowellBekker 4 months ago
Love the message of simply commenting on a video when you like it! Like and favorite videos when you like them! That's what youtube is all about :0
thekcski 4 months ago
I feel honored to have been there. I remember those time, I remember watching Fan Videos in 2006 and I remember when Nalts first blogged about the partner program when it first became a thing. A big part of me still hopes I'll wake up to being featured on the homepage like in DaveDay's song of way back when.
Listening to you I have an idea that maybe could be a video or a pledge, but what if we all promise to comment and watch and support each other? Not like rules, but a pledge kinda thing...
MichelleTells 4 months ago
My name is Tyler Oakley and I signed up for YouTube on September 30, 2007. I'm in the same boat as you. It's frustrating mainly because the reason content creators are going down the drain is because YouTube is enabling it. Every update to the website includes less subscription recognition and more "popular" video recognition. It's only going to get worse...
tyleroakley 4 months ago 25
Thank you this is great.
UnicornCrackAddict 4 months ago
Great video Mike. Some tremendous advice and thoughts here, thanks for sharing.
As one of the "old schoolers" myself (Feb 2006), I can definitely echo the 10%-effect... I average maybe 50,000 views off my 570,000 subs... even worse on my 2nd channel... such a downturn has forced me to create *some* more commercial videos that "pander", so they can financially support the rest of my creative efforts I'm really passionate about.
Sucks that we gotta play the game at all...
JPizzle1122 4 months ago
Well said. I run all my subs through an RSS aggregator so that I don't miss any videos. I still technically sub through YT, but their system usually loses videos and drives me crazy. I'm not sure how/if that affects view counts, though. I'll certainly make more of an effort to comment now. I hadn't realized the participation rates were so low.
SarahDavisSings 4 months ago
@SarahDavisSings What a nerdy yet elegant solution! Does it still publish if the sub boxes go down?
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago
@MikeLombardoMusic Seems to. Haven't missed a vlogbrothers video yet. :)
SarahDavisSings 4 months ago
I have a weekly show that features five random things every week - I try and feature at least one original content creator each week. I've seen some amazing videos made by people with less than 100 subscribers. Feel free to forward anyone my way who might need some help!
shawnvmartin 4 months ago
great video.
letssplitMADDY 4 months ago
I'm going to check everyone out on the list :D
crazyboutFAYZ12 4 months ago
Great video :)
*Hugs!*
iLeaveYouWithHugs 4 months ago
i'm going to subscribe to all the channels you recommended and just unsub if I don't like them.
BadgersDieInAFire 4 months ago
Here's something to consider... Maybe people just put out too much content now? When some of the bigger Youtubers post multiple videos a week in an effort to keep growing and keep connecting, it might have an opposite effect... If the amount of content was reduced, it might actually mean something when a new video is made and the quality of videos may increase. It's a tough question though and one that probably doesn't have one single answer.
LewisMcKitty 4 months ago
I think the important thing is to do promotion for each other - shoutouts that can be more than shoutouts - maybe including clips or collaborating. That way the people who like original content can get pointed in the direction of other original content. But how to get new people to see? I have no idea...
jullachris90 4 months ago
You could add the sarcaschicks to the list they're quite new, but like allunderonesun, they're bringing new things to the table through vlogging on collab channels. Most (if not all) my subscriptions are original content creators, but I don't have time to follow all the original content reators I like, because that would take at least 3 or 4 hours a day. There are just so many!
jullachris90 4 months ago
i like this video!
Brookerdoo 4 months ago
Wow...look at the length of the comments people are writing, very few one-liners....This is important
DarinCola 4 months ago
Good job Mike...I agree 100%...It takes about 1 or 2 percent of the work to make a cover video than write original music...And one of my favorite youtubers, Luke Conard, is kind of a sell out, I loved his original stuff, but it takes too long to make and he can whip out covers fast and make a buck. Thanks Mike
DarinCola 4 months ago
There's a different audience dynamic now, yes. But that doesn't mean that things are worse now, or were better before. It means we have go find a different way to work with it. You talk about how original content isn't promoted, but you're promoting it right now, as a part of the YouTube community. Does money and do ads control our opinions? We're still alive as an audience, but there's simply a new dynamic now. And it has to be (and should be) worked with.
DavidVlogs 4 months ago
Following your advise I would hereby like to say that: I really liked this video! :) You bring up some very very good points, I loved YouTube so much in 2008, but now it's just so BIG, it's almost impossible to really connect with people.
LotteCM 4 months ago
This is an excellent well-mae video, MIke. You have got a great point here. I don't even use the most viewed or most discussed videos page anymore because very rarely is there anything on there that's original content. I started watching in early 2007 and joined in August and it has changed a lot since then and I think you've nailed the problem.
LAshlieH 4 months ago
There are still some of us out here who don't watch most or any of the corporate stuff and who watch the original content. But from what you said, there weren't masses of people watching back then and there aren't masses now. But yes, you're right, we don't want those channels to die, but viewers for original content are still here.
sepiasunrise 4 months ago
Can I just say YES. I know I haven't been here since the beginning and I haven't uploaded any absolutely incredible vidoes (yet!) but it just doesn't seem fair that all these copycats can just decide to cover a song or whatever and instantly get millions of views. There are hundereds of incredibly talented people out there that probably dont get the recognition they deserve because of this corporate element. It is awesome how much YouTube has grown but is it really for the better?
thisisharlie 4 months ago
The whole corporate atmosphere that YouTube is currently fostering makes me wonder if YouTube will split into two halves: One half which is just like TV and the other half featuring community videos.
It basically became that way when YouTube partners realised that they could make another channel with any garbage on it and their subscribers would loyally watch it.
Tiwaking 4 months ago 3
awesome video man :)
Joker8101 4 months ago
I didn't watch YouTube that much until one of my friends showed my VlogBrothers. After that I discovered FiveAwesomeGirls and all these other great vloggers. I sometimes see these segments on Ellen featuring these YouTube "sensations" and I think, their video will be forgotten in a matter of days. Why not feature someone who makes original videos and is trying to make a living off of it? Someone who puts time and effort into their videos should be rewarded. -Rachel
TheLadyMarauders 4 months ago
I think this is entirely true and very sad, but I also think that some of the fault rests with the original Youtubers. I'm subscribed to quite a few original Youtubers and most of them hardly post anything anymore.And if they do post something it's not particularly original or artistic or interesting, it's rushed or boring or pointless or the person just rambles about nothing or complains about how they haven't posted anything in ages. Those who 'made it' are people who have remained dedicated.
AbsurdNotions 4 months ago
This is so true... Youtube used to be so original. It was so different then it is now. Alot of my favorite people are not even original anymore and there stuff is not as good. Like raywilliamjohnson used to be a comedian talking into a shitty camera with only like 2,000 followers. Now his show is completely different and is not as good. that is just an example. I miss the old youtube! You rock though! :)
PrettyInPink11398 4 months ago 4
You already know how awesome you are for weighing in so heavily on this discussion, but good job. This is a really great thing going on here.
CeliaAnnn 4 months ago
watch?v=36VHc958UEc
flyndutchmn 4 months ago
p.s. watching old caitlin hill videos makes me so nostalgic and happy and sad.
ItTakesII 4 months ago
Hey man, i feel ya. I've been thinking this so much. Every year it is tougher and tougher for people to get small channels off the ground without being plugged by someone who's already "made it". Good video. -julian
ItTakesII 4 months ago
kaysyconundrum brought me here and i am so so glad she did this video was awesome and you make an amazing point! subscribe! (and i actually do watch that people i subscribe too) keep truckin sir!
iwanttoputspaces 4 months ago
I am a comedian. If anyone wants to support original content then please check out my channel. Thanks! =)
mattjsrules 4 months ago
You've got a great point, and message, my friend.
TheDragonCael 4 months ago
You are absolutely right! I remember back in 2007 when I started watching and getting into YouTube and it was a big deal to get 1000 subscribers. I miss it when the community was like that and people actually participated and there was a back and forth between the person posting the video and the viewers.
maggiehanna 4 months ago
I made a video response to this and i think i'm severely confused, (possibly because i wasn't part of the close youtube club back in the previous decade). lol oh well.
PotterPrincess007 4 months ago
i agree with u i am subscribed to some of the ppl u listed and have bought some of there music on itunes one of them i've gone to his concert he was great.i've come accross many other very talented ppl and i'm constantly commenting and trying to share thier music with others .
ARCTROOPERMARK 4 months ago
We have the same lamp.
chalseoko 4 months ago
Thank you for linking to my channel again, Mike. To all of the people leaving negative comments on this video, know that Mike Lombardo helped to double my subscriber count just because he felt like helping some smaller creators. This video echoes some of Andrew Bravener's points, sure, but Mike is pleading more with US than he is complaining about YouTube the Corporation.
He wants us to realize how important we are to the original content creators.
tbrogan8009 4 months ago
This. Video. Is. Great. Period.
HaiItsMike 4 months ago
i'm convinced that the people saying this video is like andrew bravener's video didn't watch the video. mike suggested practical solutions to the problem, and more importantly, things we can do to prevent the original content creator community from falling into obscurity.
fecklessman 4 months ago 8
@fecklessman Thanks bud. I've spent the majority of my responses here defending arguments that I hadn't made in the first place.
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago 2
I think it's a stretch to assume that corporations and partnerships are to blame for decreasing interest of subscribers. Maybe it's just human nature. Of some youtubers I got so bored that now I only watch one video out of every 50 they make. But I'm not sorry. Time I put in watching channels I don't like anymore is time I can't put in discovering new promising channels. I think it's inherent to vlogs maybe. You have to be really really good to be able to keep up quality high enough to not lose
kennyvandossche 4 months ago
@kennyvandossche the interest of your audience. These are short (mostly) amateuristic video's with someone 'normal' talk about their life and random stuff. After a while I can just predict what some vloggers are going to talk about and how they are going to bring it. Not your fault. But not the corporations either.
kennyvandossche 4 months ago
Mike, you said this better than I ever could. YouTube used to be the alternative to TV and now instead of promoting creative YouTubers on it's front page, it promote TV cahnnels and corporations. It is so hard to get your videos seen these days and it is hugely depressing. It wouldn't be hard for YouTube to put right, there has to be room for proper YouTubers and the global fat cats on this platform. I miss the good old days massively!
Kie77 4 months ago
I agree with everything you said in this video 100%. We, the original content creators, are so important to YouTube and I hope this community never dies.
sincemarchoflastyear 4 months ago
Hey, I like this video. I made my first video on the fallofautumndistro channel in September of 2006. I definitely remember and miss those times.
persistenceofvideo 4 months ago
Hey Mike, I just want to let you know that I support and respect you about 300 times more than about three weeks ago. I posted a "question" in Hayley's tumblr ask box "I unfollowed when I found out you were still talking to Mike." After watching this video, my opinions have changed and I have subscribed and WILL be checking out the youtubers you put in the description box. Thanks !
8KevinCool8 4 months ago